If we can pause for a moment today to remember the 33 members of B sqn 1 SAS who were captured and later executed by German forces while on Operation Bulbasket which ran from June-August 1944 in the Poitiers- Verriers region of France, on this job were a number of former Aux unit members, including men from various Scout Sections.

3 were never found; one was Joe Ogg who was a former member of a patrol in Morayshire Scotland. On this day at dawn the 30 captured men were executed.

Joe Ogg was one of the 3 missing and was taken to a hospital after the jump in, the 3 were taken from the hospital by the Germans and possibly (more than likely) given a lethal injection. Their bodies were never found. Joe’s sister never fully recovered from this.  I have met her on occassions and she always carried Joe’s photo with her.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Thank you,

David Blair CART CIO Scotland